Is your home in need of more than just a basic, functional roof? If you’re dreaming of boosting curb appeal and adding a bit of sophistication, luxury asphalt shingles could be the perfect choice. This premium roofing option combines beauty, durability, and performance, making them a popular upgrade for homeowners.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what sets luxury asphalt shingles apart and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your home.
What Are Luxury Asphalt Shingles?
Designed to mimic the look of high-end materials like slate or cedar shakes, luxury asphalt shingles offer an upscale look for residential homes. Thicker and heavier than standard shingles, they provide enhanced durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for storm-prone areas. With proper maintenance, they can last 30 years or more, significantly outlasting regular shingles.
These shingles often come with advanced features like UV resistance and enhanced granule protection, helping them maintain their color and quality over time. Available in a variety of styles and colors, they allow homeowners to customize their roofs to fit their architectural vision while also raising property value and energy efficiency with improved insulation.
Also Read: What Is The Difference Between Dimensional And Luxury Shingles?
What Sets Luxury Asphalt Shingles Apart?
When compared to alternatives, luxury asphalt roof shingles
Here are the top 10 key benefits that make them unique:
#1. Durability
Luxury asphalt shingles are thicker and stronger than standard options, giving them impressive durability. They can last 30 to 50 years and withstand tough weather conditions, including high winds.
#2. Curb Appeal
With the ability to mimic high-end materials like slate or wood, these shingles enhance your home’s appearance without the hefty price tag, boosting both curb appeal and property value.
#3. Energy Efficiency
Many luxury shingles feature reflective coatings that minimize heat absorption, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and lower cooling costs.
#4. Weather Protection
These shingles typically come with warranties of up to 50 years, showcasing their ability to endure severe weather and providing reliable long-term protection.
#5. Versatile Designs
Available in various styles and colors, luxury shingles allow homeowners to choose a roof that perfectly matches their architectural preferences.
#6. Low Maintenance
Thanks to their robust construction, these shingles require less maintenance and are less prone to common issues like curling or cracking.
#7. Cost-Effectiveness
While the initial investment is higher, the longevity and durability of luxury shingles lead to fewer repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
#8. Fire Resistance
Many luxury asphalt shingles are treated to resist fire, adding an important layer of safety for homes in fire-prone areas.
#9. Higher Resale Value
Combining aesthetic appeal, durability, and energy efficiency, luxury asphalt shingles can significantly increase your home’s resale value, making them a wise investment.
#10. Noise Reduction
The thicker design of these shingles helps dampen outside noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment for homeowners.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Luxury Asphalt Shingles?
Though luxury asphalt shingles are a great option for homeowners, still there are some cons that you should consider:
#1. High Cost
Luxury asphalt shingles are a bit higher compared to other options, leading to a higher installation price than standard options, which may not fit every budget.
#2. Installation Requirements
Homeowners typically need certified contractors and special accessories to install luxury shingles, increasing both the final cost and complexity.
Top Luxury Asphalt Shingles Brands
If you are interested in getting luxury asphalt roof shingles
#1. IKO
Founded in 1951, IKO is a leading roofing manufacturer known for quality and innovation. They prioritize durability and aesthetics while using eco-friendly practices, including recycled materials. With a broad product range, IKO meets various architectural styles, making them a trusted choice for homeowners and contractors alike.
Royal Estate™ Shingles
These shingles provide the elegant look of slate while ensuring modern durability. The heavyweight design, made from glass fiber and asphalt, resists severe weather and has a Class 3 impact rating to withstand hail, potentially lowering insurance costs. Available in various colors and textures, Royal Estate™ shingles enhance curb appeal and are easier to install and maintain than traditional slate.
#2. Owens Corning
Established in 1938, Owens Corning is a respected name in building materials, focusing on insulation and roofing. They emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency, creating products that perform well while benefiting the environment. Their commitment to research also drives continuous improvement.
Berkshire® Shingles
Berkshire® shingles combine elegance with durability. Designed to mimic natural wood shakes, they are made to resist fading and maintain long-lasting color. With strong wind resistance, these shingles provide excellent protection against the elements. Available in a multitude of colors, they enhance your home’s appearance and come with a solid warranty for peace of mind.
#3. Malarkey
Founded in 1956, Malarkey Roofing Products leads the way in sustainable roofing solutions. They emphasize quality craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices, using recycled materials for durability and longevity.
Windsor® Shingles
Windsor® shingles blend luxury with performance. Made from polymer-modified asphalt, they offer flexibility and durability against extreme weather. These shingles mimic natural wood shakes and are low maintenance. With a Class 4 impact resistance rating, they are ideal for hail-prone areas and feature easy installation technology for added convenience.
#4. CertainTeed
With over 100 years of experience, CertainTeed is a trusted name in building materials, known for quality and innovation. They offer a wide range of products and focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, earning numerous awards for their commitment.
Belmont® Luxury Shingles
Offering a classic cedar shake look with modern advantages, these shingles have enhanced color granules that provide depth while ensuring durability against harsh weather. In rich colors, Belmont® shingles improve appeal and feature excellent wind resistance and fire safety for added protection.
How Much Do Luxury Asphalt Shingles Cost
Is it worth investing in luxury asphalt shingles? To answer your question it is important that you first understand the cost of luxury asphalt shingles to help you make an informed decision for this roofing option.
Cost Overview
A. Material Costs
Luxury asphalt shingles generally cost between $4.50 and $9.50 per square foot. This translates to about $450 to $950 for each roofing square (100 square feet) after installation.
B. Installation Costs
Labor typically ranges based on the contractor you hire, but the total cost. including materials and installation, usually ends up around $8 and $13 per square foot.
Factors Influencing Costs
> Quality and Brand: Higher-quality brands may charge 20-50% more due to their products being more durable and offer better warranties.
> Roof Complexity: Complex designs or hard-to-reach areas can increase labor costs significantly.
> Additional Features: Upgrades, like copper flashing or special underlayment, can also impact the final price.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles vs. Other Roofing Materials
If you are unsure about getting these shingles for your roof, here is a comparison of luxury asphalt shingles with other roofing options:
1. Luxury Asphalt Shingles vs. Regular Shingles
The most affordable roofing option, these regular 3-tab shingles feature a flat design with cut-out tabs. While lightweight and easy to install, they typically only last 15-25 years and lack durability against severe weather. However, their uniform appearance doesn’t offer the charm of luxury asphalt roof shingles
2. Luxury Asphalt Shingles vs, Architectural Shingles
An upgrade from 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles feature a multi-layered design that improves durability and creates a more dimensional look. With a lifespan of 25-30 years, they offer moderate curb appeal but fall short of the high-end aesthetics and longevity (up to 30 years) provided by luxury asphalt shingles. Many consider architectural shingles a cost-effective compromise between performance and appearance.
3. Luxury Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs
Known for durability, metal roofs can last 40-70 years with little maintenance. They resist severe weather but have a higher initial cost and can be noisy in the rain. While offering a modern look, they may not fit traditional home styles as well as luxury asphalt shingles, which provide a classic appearance.
4. Luxury Asphalt Shingles vs. Wood Shake Roofs
These roofs give a rustic look and excellent insulation but need significant maintenance to avoid rot and insect damage. With a lifespan of 25-30 years, they are less durable than luxury asphalt shingles, which can last up to 50 years with less upkeep. Additionally, wooden shakes are more prone to fire hazards and environmental wear.
What Maintenance Do Luxury Asphalt Shingles Require?
Just like any other roofing material, these shingles also require some level of maintenance, like:
Regular Inspections
Check your roof at least twice a year and after storms in order to check for missing or curled shingles, granule loss, and wear-around flashings. Early detection can prevent costly repairs.
Prompt Repairs
Fix small damage quickly to avoid bigger problems. Replace individual shingles yourself, but consult professionals for larger issues to ensure safe repairs.
Invest in Quality: Choose Luxury Asphalt Shingle Installation from OConnor Contracting!
Now you know luxury asphalt shingles are a smart choice for homeowners wanting beauty and durability. They provide excellent protection, making them a worthwhile upgrade. For the best results, consider contacting a professional roofer for proper installation and maintenance.
If you’re ready to upgrade your roof with luxury asphalt roof shingles
